Life and Death Realities of Spiritual warfare

(Concern for the People of God)

In many churches and Christian organizations, personality is more highly prized than wisdom and understanding; weaknesses are resolved by new programs, not by faithful prayer; opposition is overthrown by growth in numbers rather than in depth and quality. The foundations are rarely examined because we are so engrossed in the business of creating visible activity (and often it is a “business” as well as “busyness”).

Daniel’s concern remains the same, his concern is for the people of God. His concern is for the Spiritual Battle that is taking place.

The Final Vision of Daniel is Recorded

Daniel 10:1–3 ESV

1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a word was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar. And the word was true, and it was a great conflict. And he understood the word and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. 3 I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.

Note: The Chronology of events in Israels history is worth noting. For one thing, Cyrus had issued a decree allowing the Jews to return home to Jerusalem in the first year of his reign, a record of which is found in scripture. Ezra 1:1-4.

Why did Daniel not return to his beloved Jerusalem? He specifically mentions that he is beside the great river, that is, the Tigris”. Apparently Daniel remained in Babylon. Was he too old to make the Journey?

Knowing the prayer life and connection Daniel had with God we must assume that he had a deep conviction that he must remain in Babylon. We also know of the great problems and difficulties that were taking place during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. God had already raised up (Ezra and Nehemiah) for the rebuilding project. What these leaders needed most was those who would engage in spiritual warfare on their behalf in the strategic act of prayer.

WE ARE IN A CONSTANT SPIRITUAL BATTLE

How should we fight the battle and what is the mode of our warfare?

The Large majority of Christians give four propositions when it comes to spiritual warfare.

1. We are all involved in a spiritual battle whether we know it or not.

2. Jesus Christ is the triumphant King and deliverer.

3. The Modern Age deadens people to the reality of Spiritual Warfare.

4. Errors and Excess in Deliverance ministries.

*We live in a society where the modern agenda has largely failed.

*We live in a society that has become increasingly pagan.

*We live in a society of high-profile bondage to “addictions.”

*Bizarre and trouble behavior, often related to experiences of extreme abuse, seems to be appearing more frequently.

*Many people have sometimes experienced an uncanny, heightened sens of the presence of evil.

*A growing number of Christians teach and practice “deliverance” ministry in the quest to cast out inhabiting demons.

Big Idea: The true victory is won behind the veil.

We live in a world driven by the seen not the unseen. The reality of spiritual warfare is real and close. The true victory is won behind the veil.

2 Things Daniel teaches us about Spiritual Warfare.

1. Spiritual Warfare Begins with Divine Action

Note: Notice that the beginning of our text starts with divine action being revealed to Daniel, the divine action was in regards to the great conflict of the battle that is being waged all around him. Notice that this vision he understood and had understanding. Possibly because it was the exact battle that he found himself constantly engage in during his daily time in Bible Study and Prayer.

*We fight and Win Spiritual Warfare when we dig into Scripture for true Wisdom.

God Takes the Initiative to respond to our Spiritual Battles.

“The Word was revealed to me,” “A Hand touched me.”

The Long-term view of the kingdom begins when we are learning to dig into Scripture in search of true wisdom that only comes from God He joins us in the battle.

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO GOD!

“And it was a Great Conflict”

Do you have a long-Term view of the Kingdom of God.

Daniel is an example of how we are to commit ourselves to God’s plan in advance. Daniel would not directly see the results of the rebuilding of the temple, this is the hallmark of true faithful commitment, he believed but did not receive what was promised.

He prayed for blessings that he would not personally experience. However, he knew that Divine action was the only way he could win the battle.

Think of the Journey, we may never personally witness the far reaching impact we have on lives here in Killeen Texas. However, we have had many men and women who have left here and are actively engaged in the ministry and mission of the Church.

Have you ever had someone praying for you who never knew who you were or how God would use you for his kingdom? Someone praying for God’s divine action to take place in your life so that his greater plan could be revealed.

Praying the long-term view of God’s Kingdom, means praying for people who you may never even meet or see the fruit of God’s action of doing battle for that person. Daniel was committed to the long-term view of God’s kingdom.

We find constantly through the book of Daniel that he understood the bigger picture of what was going on around him, and the weakness of the people to face the great opposition.

Christian leaders like Daniel spend their energy to seek the word of God and the face of God rather than to seeking one-way tickets to Babylon might be people the affluent and busy twenty-first-century church would find difficult to understand.

This is why so many modern Churches are seeking the one way ticket to fame and recognition and fail to put in the hard hours of prayer, fasting, and supplication for people who you have never met.

*We fight and win spiritual warfare when we seek to understand.

How are you preparing to seek and understand God’s word?

Note:There is a difference between believing that prayer is important and that prayer is ESSENTIAL.

ESSENTIAL: There are things that will not happen without Prayer.

From the very first Day Daniel has humbled himself before the Lordship of God and He has heart Daniels prayer.

Daniels vision at the beginning of chapter 10 to the end of the book is one extended vision. The vision is for the people of Israel who are in exile. Daniel has a deep burden for the People of God. Notice that God comes to Daniel in this chapter, God takes the initiative to reveal himself and his word to his treasured servant.

Dated in the third year of Cyrus during the period of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread which is a reminder of the Exodus from Egypt. So, on the anniversary of the exodus from Egypt you now have a new exodus from Babylon.

We know that many people did not return to Jerusalem. The story of Esther in scripture is a picture of part of the remnant of Israel’s time in exile and those who had not returned. Perhaps people heard reports of the difficulty for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and were so beaten down that they had given up fighting.

Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920), brilliant journalist, theologian, and prime minister of the Netherlands once wrote:

“If once the curtain were pulled back, and the spiritual world behind it came to view, it would expose to our spiritual vision a struggle so intense, so convulsive, sweeping everything within its range, that the nearest battle every fought on earth would seem, by comparison, a mere game. Not here, but up there - that is where the real conflict is waged. Our earthly struggle drones in its backlash.

I must confess that the words of chapter 10 have convicted me very deeply. If the words of this chapter are true, and I believe they are then why in the world would I not pray more? Why do I not pray with more passion and earnestness?

Our prayers for God’s divine action provide weapons of warfare which provide ammunition for angels as they engage the demonic forces of evil in spiritual combat. Our prayers matter and do make a difference behind the unseen veil of the battle field.

Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Our God is present, and He is not silent.

Daniel understood the word and had understanding of the vision. Notice, that it all started with Daniels preparation to receive from God. We wonder why we do not hear God speak or feel as if He is listening to us when we prayer, however, the greater problem may be a lack of preparation. We have stopped tending to the soil of our hearts and lives for God to reveal His greater plan.

*We Fight and Win Spiritual Warfare when we Stop Fighting Alone

To Understand Spiritual Warfare, we need to begin with acknowledging we are in a war. Battles make up smaller components of the bigger picture. By definition, battles involve combat between two persons, between factions, between armies and they consist of any type of “extended contest, struggle, or controversy. (Webster Dictionary)

As Christians we are in a spiritual battle of some sort on a daily basis. Battles are fought on different fronts with varying degree’s of intensity. The same is true in spiritual warfare. The difference is that even though our spiritual battles are very real we cannot see our attacker. The First Question we must ask is:

WHY DO WE EVEN FIGHT SPIRITUAL WARFARE? If we see no reason to fight then we have already lost the battle. The first thing you need to understand as Daniel understood is that you are in a spiritual battlefield everyday with souls littered all over the battlefield.

Ultimately, the devil has already been defeated by Jesus at the cross. Jesus’s resurrection from the dead demonstrates that He won the victory over death. But the devil wants to blind people to the truth of what Jesus has done.

Just realizing that you are in a battle is not enough. The second thing you need to realize is that no one fights this battle alone. You Need to Learn How to fight and how to win with God’s help. Lets look at what happens next as Daniel was mourning, fasting, and praying.

Daniel 10:4–9 ESV

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) 5 I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength was left in me. My radiant appearance was fearfully changed, and I retained no strength. 9 Then I heard the sound of his words, and as I heard the sound of his words, I fell on my face in deep sleep with my face to the ground.

Note: God does not leave Daniel alone in his Spiritual battle.

Notice that Daniel struggles to find words to describe the glory of the Presence of “this man.” He is clothed in linen, and everything about him expresses power, beauty, majesty, glory, and honor. His waste was girded with gold uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lighting, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color. When he spoke his voice sounded like a “multitude” only in its strength. He spoke however, Daniel was so overwhelmed he did not recognize more than the sound of His voice.

Who was this figure?

There are various different ideas however, the most plausible is the pre-incarnate Christ. There are similarities of other theophanies recorded in scripture.

1) Clothed in Linen, linen garments were worn by the priests. In particular, the high priest wore linen when he entered into the Holy Place. This would have reminded the exiled Daniel of the temple sacrifices and the Day of Atonement.

2) The face was like the appearance of lightening. This would, of course, suggest power and glory in general but lightening is frequently accompanied to the coming of the Lord in Scripture. Also a reminder of the experience at Mt. Sinai.

Remember when Jesus left the earth after His resurrection He promised that His followers would not have to fight this fight alone. He was sending them a helper, the Holy Spirit to come and take up residence in their hearts and lives.

THE BIBLE GIVES US THE GUIDE TO FIGHT AND WIN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Clark Kent, also known as Superman, typically discovers that he must leave quickly in order to save the city. His super suit is worn under his clothing so that he doesn’t have to get ready when spontaneous crime happens. Do you stay ready in this way?

Or are you caught off guard during a spiritual attack? Is your spiritual life so intact that at any given moment you’re wearing the right ‘super suit’ underneath? We must be diligent to stay ready for the Lord’s imminent return

TAKE UP THE WHOLE ARMOR OF FAITH

So, there is a big misconception about the armor of God. How many of you have heard a pastor or teacher tell you that you need to daily put on the armor of God in the similar way that we put on our clothes each day. Notice the text does not say to daily put on the armor of God. If it did, then the assumption would be that at some point we take the armor off.

It say’s take up the whole armor of faith, therefore, assuming that you never take it off. That would be stupid to be sitting in your fox hole while rounds are coming down range and saying, “well I guess I’ve withstood long enough for now I think I will take it off for a bit and hope the rounds do not land in my bunker.

Notice that God wears the same armor.

Isaiah 59:17 ESV

17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

The armor that Paul is describing is based on the typical armor of a Roman soldier. So how does the armor work?

It was the boy’s first day of junior high. All was going well until three older kids took his lunch, ruffled his hair, and stuffed him in a locker. They snarled at his squeals and high-fived one another as they walked away.

What the bullies didn’t know, though, was that the kid in the locker was the little brother of the football team’s starting middle linebacker.

After lunch, the boy told his brother what happened. His brother looked him in the eyes. “Let’s go.” As the boy came to his locker, the bullies were waiting for him, grinning. But he hadn’t come alone this time. He came in the strength of his older brother. That was the last day they messed with him.

As Christians, we have a dangerous adversary. We face something far scarier than getting stuffed in a locker. Our enemy wants to devour our faith and drag us to hell.

Note: Too often, Spiritual warfare is seen as an individual believer’s call to put on armor and fight demonic forces alone, as if this is a test to prove ones metal of faith. This could not be farther from the truth. Spiritual warfare is about God’s people joining their Lord in his warfare.

(1) He Equips us

Whole Armor - putting on armor is not like dressing for work or school. There is no mixing and matching, no switching out for whatever is in season, spiritual armor is applied by faith.

BELT OF TRUTH

Satan works hard to make you a liar like him. We put on the belt of truth when we put away falsehood, speaking the truth, we do not try and cover our sin and shame, we bring them into the light and resist Satan’s temptation to become a liar like him.

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS / HELMET OF SALVATION

Satan wants you to join him in rebelling against God like he did before creation. We put off our old self and put on the new self in true righteousness rather than adopt the worlds identities. We resist sexual immorality in order to experience true love; we resist corrupt talk and speak grace filled words that build up; we do not get drunk on the worlds indulgences but we serve others in the power of the spirit.

SHOES OF GOSPEL PEACE

Satan hates it when we share the good news about Christ’s blood and the forgiveness that was purchased for you and me. He hates to see sinners reconciled to God and to one another in the Church. He works to divide the body of the redeemed by petty disagreements.

SHIELD OF FAITH

Satan hates it when believers step out on faith. He works hard to stoke fear and doubt into our lives so we retreat. He threatens us with social rejection, persecution, pain, and death. But rather than retreat we take up the shield of faith. “We do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Satan works to seduce and accuse us with lies. But we take up the sword of the Spirit and strike down his lofty arguments. When he promises temporary pleasures, we model Jesus by striking them down with God’s word. When he heaps shame and condemnation on us, we slash them with God’s word of assurances. When we are threatened by Satan’s requests to sift us, we pray knowing that Jesus ever lives to intercede for us.

(2) He Empowers us. (to accompany him into enemy territory and further His kingdom purposes.

At times we fail to put on the armor of God. We get busy with our own pursuits, and when the struggle sneaks up on us, we try to fight in our own strength and are overcome with temptation. We lie instead of speaking truth. We harbor bitterness instead of forgiving. We put people down instead of pursuing peace. We justify our sin instead of repenting of it. We indulge in lust instead of loving God. We grieve the spirit and sap our joy.

When these fiery darts strike us, we are left wounded and wearied. Our spiritual strength is sapped, desire for prayer dissipates, singing is silenced, shame is stoked, fellowship is avoided, and our taste temptation increases.

We must remember that when this happens we are not to loose heart, but rather cry out to our warrior God, our great Savior, who leaves no one on the battle field, no man or woman left behind. He throws us over his shoulder and takes us to green pastures and still waters, where he will restore our souls. In Him we regain our strength to enter the fight again.

This is what God is doing for Daniel.

John 10:28 ESV

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

True-hikers focus on and spend lots of money on packing low-weight items in their packs. The goal weight is twenty pounds of items to last them the length of their hike (compare that to the fifty-pound suitcase for a week-long trip).

Hikers know they will be carrying the weight of everything they’ll need (stove, tent, first aid, food, water filtration, extra socks, fire starter, and so on) and ruthlessly fight to select only the most lightweight, multipurpose, and essential items in their pack.

When Troy and I hiked 110 mile trek with the Boy-scouts at Philmont our goal was 35 pound pack.

Many times our problem is that we are carrying unnecessary weight into the battle with us. Look what Paul says about the weight we are carrying.

Hebrews 12:1 ESV

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

If you go back and read Hebrews 11 the writer tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the presence of things not yet seen. If you are a Christian you have a conscience now toward godly living and trying to live a life that pleases God. However, for many Christians pre-marital sex might bother them, for others it might not. Lying and stealing might bother you. Taking advantage of someones kindness might bother you. The cloud of witnesses are Moses, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, these are proof that faith works.

Now We have been given the spirit that helps us to identify the weight that we are carrying. Reminding us that God and His armor is all you need to fight the battle. You may be wondering why you are not seeing victories in your spiritual life. Perhaps it is because you are trying to carry all of the weight of these other sins into battle with you.

2. Spiritual Warfare Reinforces the Sufficiency of God

*We fight and win spiritual warfare when we remember God’s Power.

God was impressing on Daniel that he was a God of forgiveness and faithfulness. The God of the covenant at Mt. Sinai and the sacrifices at Jerusalem - was still sufficient to meet the needs of His people. By reminding Daniel of the past God was encouraging him for the future.

Here is the Problem we have...

We read about all of the great things that God has done in the Bible, these feel like good stories to read, but, do we really expect God to still act that way in our lives today.

Do we really expect for God to show up as the mighty God with lightning in his face and flaming torches for eyes. Clothed in Linen as the high priest of Old who entered the Holy place to atone for the sins of Israel. Now Jesus appears as the answer to the sin problem and the one sacrifice that entered the holy place once and for all to buy our freedom.

Daniel had been mourning for three weeks over the sins of the people, quiet possibly those who did not return and the struggle those currently in Jerusalem were undergoing. Daniel now is brought face to face with the full weight of the glory of God. Anyone who has seen God’s glory and grace can never remain the same again.

They have come to know who God is, and in His presence they come to know what they are themselves in their need and by His grace.

Daniel 10:10–17 ESV

10 And behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly loved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for now I have been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, 14 and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” 15 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and was mute. 16 And behold, one in the likeness of the children of man touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke. I said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, by reason of the vision pains have come upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 How can my lord’s servant talk with my lord? For now no strength remains in me, and no breath is left in me.”

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE COME FACE TO FACE WITH WHO GOD IS AND WHO WE ARE?

1). We loose taste for all that is trivial.

Spiritual conflict can literally take our breath away. The things that used to matter to us seem to fade away as unimportant.

2). We learn to live near to God.

James 4:8 reminds us that if we draw near to God he will draw near to us. From the very first day Daniel had set his heart to draw near to God.

3). We remember that we are never far from heaven.

Daniel is reminded that God see’s him, he is never too far from God’s reach.

We are foolish when we make light of or ignore the spiritual reality. Daniel 10 makes several things perfectly clear.

1). Angels and demons exist; 2). Angels and demons engage one another in spiritual combat; 3). Our prayers in some measure enter into and affect the battles being waged and fought.

2 Kings 6:15–17 ESV

15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Once the veil has been pulled back, and the spiritual world behind the curtain comes into view, we would see a spiritual struggle so intense, so convulsive, sweeping everything withing its range, that the fiercest battle every fought on earth would fail in comparison, those would appear to be a mere game. Our earthly struggles are being waged behind the veil of what we cannot see.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that what we see was made out of what we cannot see.

Hebrews 11:3 ESV

3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

We also read in Colossians 1 That Christ is the image of the invisible God, he created all things visible and invisible, he is before all things and in him all things hold together..

Daniel 10:18–21 ESV

18 Again one having the appearance of a man touched me and strengthened me. 19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to fight against the prince of Persia; and when I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21 But I will tell you what is inscribed in the book of truth: there is none who contends by my side against these except Michael, your prince.

2nd time Daniel is told that he is the object of Gods Love and Affection!

*Are you ready to hear what God has to say, no matter what it is?

The ability to hear and really listen to what God is telling you whether you like it or not all has to do with what you believe about the sufficiency of God.

What is the Sufficiency of God: it is the adequacy of the provisions of the Lord God Almighty that can never be exhausted or run dry. He is the god who is more than enough to meet all our needs.

Philippians 4:19 ESV

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4 begins with “Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.”

Now he follows this up in verse 19 by giving us liberty in the future graces of God. Paul also states in verses 11-13

“That he has learned to be content in all situations. He knows how to be brought low, and he knows how to be brought high, in every circumstance he has learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can to all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Now we have all heard the end of that, what I call a coffee cup verse, but have you ever attached it to the possibility of suffering, and loss. “I can do all things” really means “all things,” not just the easy or pleasant things. “All things” means, “Through Christ I can hunger and suffer and be in want.” This puts the stunning promise in Philippians 4:19 into a new light.

So, all you need for God-Glorifying contentment which may include hunger and need, God has provided for you.

THREE CLOSING PROMISES / AND COMMANDS

1. Fear Not: We have nothing to fear of Satan or his demons. With God on our side who can be against me. Fear comes from the evil one, strength, courage, and resolve come from the Spirit of the Lord.

2. Peace be with you: The difference between peace for a believer and a nonbeliever is where they acquire their peace. The nonbeliever looks to the world and it’s methods to find peace. They depend on themselves or the resources around them. However, believers can find a peace that is not from the world but from God. “My Peace I leave with you” is a phrase we have heard Jesus use before, but what does it mean.

The peace that Jesus leaves is the reassurance of our place in Heaven. He tells the disciples that in His house their are many rooms for them and that one day He will return to take them home. Jesus gives us a peace beyond our circumstances. In life everyone goes through dark seasons. There will be periods of life that are blissful and other moments that are heart wrenching and dreadful. The divine peace we get goes beyond what season we are currently going through.

3. Be strong and of good courage: God knows that His followers need and extra dose of courage to continue on till the end. To be of good courage is to possess an inner quality that enables a person to confront whatever danger and difficulty may come their way.

Joshua 1:9 ESV

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 27:14 ESV

14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

God encourages Joshua and David to be strong and of good courage in the middle of their trials and difficulties. Listen to what Jesus say’s about the current situation of the world.

John 16:33 ESV

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

The courage we have to carry on is in the middle of our sorrow and trials. Jesus told His disciples these things so that in Him they would find peace. We should be of good courage because God is in the fight with us, he is our rock and fortress, our help in time of need, He is the one who has overcome death and the grave. God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of danger.

Daniel needed to be strengthened for the end of his fight here on earth.

The messenger abruptly leaves to re-enter the battle for a time. But, the day is coming when He promises to wipe every tear away from our eyes, there will be no more sickness, no more death, no more morning, for the pain of this present existence is passing away, but the glory of the eternal Kingdom is coming soon.

CLOSING

How are we successful in the Spiritual Battle?

SPIRITUAL WARFARE DEMANDS UNITY

At the end of our text today the visitor leaves abruptly to re-enter the fight. The battle going on behind the veil is not a battle that is one by individuals.

General Maximus comes to Rome dirty and shackled. This is not the way it's supposed to be. Where's Rome's legendary pageantry to greet one of her war heroes—the heraldry, the burnished armor, the laurel crown? Where's the honor due him?

Maximus comes as a slave.

That's the premise of the movie Gladiator. Through a maze of events, Maximus goes from celebrated warrior, favorite of one emperor, to despised traitor, nemesis of another. He becomes a fugitive, then caged slave, then unvanquished gladiator. His growing fame in the arena brings him to the sport's pinnacle: Rome's magnificent Coliseum to face her elite warriors.

The games open with a re-enactment of the battle of Carthage. The gladiators, all foot soldiers, are cast as the hapless Carthaginians. It is a stage for slaughter. They are marched out a dark passageway into brilliant sunlight and met with a roar of bloodlust.

Maximus, their leader, shouts to his men: "Stay together." He assembles them in a tight circle in the center of the arena: back-to-back, shields aloft, spears outward. Again he shouts, "Whatever comes out that gate, stay together."

What comes out that gate is swift and sleek and full of terror. Chariot upon chariot thunder forth. War horses pull, with deadly agility and earthshaking strength, wagons driven by master charioteers. Amazonian warrior princesses ride behind and with deadly precision hurl spears and volley arrows. One gladiator strays from the circle, ignoring Maximus's order, and is cut down. Maximus shouts once more:

"Stay together!"

The instinct to scatter is strong. But Maximus exerts his authority, and they resist that impulse. The chariots circle, closer, closer, closer. Spears and arrows rain down on the men's wood shields. The chariots are about to cinch the knot. Right then Maximus shouts, "Now!"

The gladiators attack, and decimate the Romans. Commodus, the evil emperor, caustically remarks to the games organizer: "My memory of Roman history is rusty, but didn't we beat Carthage the first time?"

Whatever comes out that gate, stay together.

That echoes what Jesus prayed for us: "May they be brought to complete unity" (John 17:23). And he promises that the gates of hell will not overcome his church.

Note: I see it time and time again, when the battle heats up people have the tendency to withdraw and pull away. The Church is strongest when we stick together in the fight.

Maybe today you are struggling in the battle because you are still carrying the weight of your sin. (repent and be forgiven)

Maybe you are going into battle without the army of the Lord. You cannot remember the last time you seriously got on your knees before a Holy God as Daniel did mourning and weeping. (Let us help you pick up your armor and never lay it down again)

Maybe you have been going it alone because it’s easier than the messiness of standing and facing the Devil and schemes. (you need community, you were not meant to shoulder the burden alone).